Today's other stories in brief
O'Brien lashes Redknapp
Bolton and Republic of Ireland defender Andy O'Brien has launched an attack on Harry Redknapp, accusing the Portsmouth manager of treating him "like a mug".
O'Brien, who joined Bolton from Portsmouth in August claims he was frozen out at Fratton Park.
The 28-year-old was a regular after being signed by previous manager Alain Perrin in 2005 but his stay on the south coast of England turned sour when Redknapp returned mid-season from Southampton.
O'Brien spent almost the whole of last term in the reserves, losing his place in the Ireland squad after making just three league appearances.
He was given a fresh start at Bolton and has prospered under manager Gary Megson, rebuilding his confidence and earning an international recall.
"I think I've got Harry Redknapp to thank a lot for my performances since I came to this club," he said. "I say that a little sarcastically because he treated me like a mug for 18 months and it certainly taught me not to take things for granted; that when you get another opportunity you've got to make the most of it.
"I'm 28 now so I'm not past my best. I'm feeling confident again because the manager's supported me and that's 50 per cent of the battle, really."
BG takes full command
West Ham's owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has assumed full control of the club in a move that has seen a severing of ties with chairman Eggert Magnusson.
Magnusson, the club's figurehead in the year since the €150 million takeover by an Icelandic consortium, has sold his 5 per cent shareholding to Gudmundsson - who also takes over as chairman.
Gudmundsson, a banker and businessman known as "BG" is rated among the world's richest 800 people. He becomes the sole owner of West Ham and will now pursue his aims to move to a new €350 million stadium and get the club into the Premier League's top four.
He is investing a further €42.5 million, but the cash will not be used for transfers after the summer spending spree.
Gudmundsson said: "Eggert Magnusson has done a tremendous job as chairman, often in difficult circumstances, since our consortium bought the club 12 months ago.
"Eggert has decided to move on to new pastures and to pursue his other interests. We wish him well."
City to reward Dunne
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson intends to reward Richard Dunne with a lucrative new contract.
The club captain still has two years to run on his current deal, but Eriksson believes he is due a pay rise.
The Swede admits when he first saw the Ireland defender play he gave him a low rating. But Dunne has banished to history a series of disciplinary problems and concerns about his fitness and, at 28, has become arguably his team's most influential figure.
Eriksson said: "I hope Richard will sign a new contract for us very soon. He is our captain and a very good one at that. He is very important for us. He is a like a "big brother" to the young players . . . Today, he is one of the best in the country in his position."
In brief . . .
Clarence Seedorf was on target as AC Milan beat Japan's Urawa Reds 1-0 yesterday to reach Sunday's final of the Club World Cup where they will meet Argentinian side Boca Juniors . . . Blackburn Rovers defender Andre Ooijer will be out for at least a month with a torn hamstring . . . Reports in England say Middlesbrough have opened talks with Steaua Bucharest over a proposed transfer of Romanian forward Nicolae Dica (27).
